Primelectric Holdings, Inc. (PHI) is exploring opportunities to develop and operate electricity distribution systems in economic zones nationwide, potentially expanding its utility footprint as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) seeks more reliable power infrastructure to attract investments.
PEZA and Primelectric signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 1 that will allow the power company to assess the feasibility and commercial viability of establishing distribution systems in selected economic zones.
Under the agreement, PEZA will identify priority ecozones for study, while Primelectric will undertake feasibility assessments for potential distribution operations.
Primelectric has built its power distribution portfolio outside Metro Manila through MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) in Iloilo City, Negros Electric and Power Corp. in Central Negros, and Bohol Light Co., Inc.
MORE Power provides a key operating track record for the group. Primelectric entered Iloilo’s electricity distribution sector through MORE Power, which took over the city’s distribution operations and subsequently invested in rehabilitating and modernizing the network.
The PEZA partnership could give Primelectric another avenue for expansion while allowing the investment promotion agency to address electricity requirements earlier in the development of new economic zones.
Reliable and competitively priced electricity remains a major consideration for manufacturers and other power-intensive locators deciding where to invest.
“Energy reliability is no longer just a utility concern—it is an investment concern,” PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said.
Panga said developing power infrastructure early could help ensure that investors entering new ecozones face fewer uncertainties over electricity supply.
“We want investors to know that by the time they are ready to commit, power will be one less question they need to ask,” he said.
